8th August 2009 – AFF Division 7 v Drury
A very tough physical game, fiercely contested by both teams. Needless to say, there were more than a few players nursing bumps and bruises after this one. To be honest, other than the fact that Drury were able to take their chances and score 3 goals, there really wasn’t much difference between the two teams. Hard working performances by all those donning the maroon shirt and credit to everyone for keeping their cool in what turned out to be a fairly bad tempered game.
Team: Colin Case, Matt Stewart, Martin Bennett, Peter Sutcliffe, Donald Fleming, Mike Thomas, Roly McKenzie (capt), Ezra Leffelaar, Thomas Sutcliffe, Pete Wild, Craig Upson, Dave Wadeley, Julian Smith
Goalscorers:
Final Score: Drury 3 - Pukekohe 0
Player of the Day: Martin Bennett / Julian Smith
15th August 2009 – AFF Division 7 v Ellerslie
A must win game for both sides saw us a few players short and in need of a few reinforcements. Thanks to Steve, Gavin and Andy for filling in at short notice. Puke established dominance from the outset and were soon 2 goals to the good, courtesy of Ezra and Julian (playing his last game before heading back to the UK). The second half didn’t go quite as smoothly and a defensive mix up allowed Ellerslie back in to the game with about 10 minutes to go. Despite this Puke were able to create more chances of their own and were good value for their win and another much needed 3 points in the bag.
Team: Blair Mason, Matt Stewart (capt), Roly McKenzie, Dave Wadeley, Donald Fleming, Julian Smith, Ezra Leffelaar, Thomas Sutcliffe, Steve Cox, Neil Kraakman, Pete Wild, Craig Upson, Gavin McKenzie, Andy Davey
Goalscorers: Ezra Leffelaar, Julian Smith
Final Score: Pukekohe 2 - Ellerslie 1
Player of the Day: Roly McKenzie
22nd August 2009 – AFF Division 7 v Waiuku
Another tough game, with both sides looking to take all 3 points. Puke dominated the opening half and were rewarded with the lead, courtesy of a well taken goal by Neil Kraakman. Waiuku got themselves back into the game in the second half and were able to get an early equaliser. From that point on it looked as if a draw was on the cards for both teams, which would probably have been a fair result. Unfortunately that didn’t happen as Waiuku were able to net a late winner despite protests for a foul on goalkeeper Blair Mason. Absolutely gutted, but that’s football.
Team: Blair Mason (capt), Matt Stewart, Martin Bennett, Peter Sutcliffe, Donald Fleming, Cameron Williams, Ezra Leffelaar, Mike Thomas, Craig Upson, Pete Wild, Dave Wadeley, Roly McKenzie, Neil Kraakman, Matty Bent
Goalscorers: Neil Kraakman
Final Score: Waiuku 2 - Pukekohe 1
Player of the Day: Blair Mason
29th August 2009 – AFF Division 7 v Eastern Suburbs
Last match of the season, up against an Eastern Suburbs team second in the table and challenging for the division title. The message – no pressure, just go out there and enjoy the game. From the outset Suburbs played to their strengths by adopting a long ball tactic. The Puke defence did a fantastic job of nullifying this and allowed the our midfield and front-line in some good football, resulting in an opposition defender turning the ball into his own net from an Andy Davey cross. Puke continued to threaten and create chances, only to concede an equaliser as the result of a Suburbs corner. Our hard work and creativity played off a little later when the opposition keeper came out to make a clearance only for Mike Thomas to hit a long-range shot from half-way into the back of the net. An opposition defender did manage to get his head to it, but not enough to keep it from looping in. Final score: a 2-1 win and another 3 points to Pukekohe.
Team: Colin Case, Matt Stewart, Roly McKenzie, Peter Sutcliffe, Donald Fleming, Mike Thomas, Ezra Leffelaar (capt), Cameron Williams, Craig Upson, Andy Davey, Pete Wild, Neil Kraakman, Dave Wadeley
Goalscorers: own goal, Mike Thomas
Final Score: Pukekohe 2 - Eastern Suburbs 1
Player of the Day: Peter Sutcliffe
Thanks as always to our supporters and to the likes of Mike Botting, Glenn Connolly and Jim Hey who have officiated at our home games. Great commitment and performances by all those playing for the Mens 4th Team this season, even better to end it on a win!